Art works used to settle tax bills

Under the acceptance in lieu provisions, objects of important national, artistic, historic or scientific interest can be used in whole or part satisfaction of inheritance tax owed to the government.

Last year the scheme helped secure Piet Mondrian's 'Composition B with Red' for the Tate gallery.

Works so far obtained under the scheme include five important sculptures by the eminent twentieth century artist, Barbara Hepworth, satisfying £1,253,726 of tax and a pair of George III giltwood armchairs designed by Robert Adam and made by Thomas Chippendale, worth £866,726 of tax.

Announcing the acceptances, Alan Howarth said: 'This splendid selection of objects will enrich many of our national and regional collections and give everyone in the country the opportunity to enjoy them.'

'I am delighted that the acceptance in lieu scheme continues to secure so many items for all to see in Britain's public collections.'

Among those institutions benefiting from the scheme are the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Cambridge University and the Victoria and Albert museum.

Links

Art settles tax bill

DCMS press release